adminProblem Masau Arts Correspondent
Preparations for the annual Intwasa Arts Festival are at an advanced stage with South African artistes billed to perform at the event.
The arts festival will be held on September 24-29. The performing artistes are coming to Zimbabwe courtesy of Pro Helvetia, the public foundation of Switzerland and Swiss Development Corporation. Festival director Raisedon Baya said the artistes who are based in Durban come to Bulawayo as a result of the cultural exchanges between the two cities.
“Their visit comes at a time when the twinned cities of Bulawayo and Durban are strengthening cultural ties. For years Zimbabwean artistes have been going to Durban for cultural exchanges. This year Bulawayo is hosting them,” he said.
Intwasa Arts Festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Bulawayo through a showcase of music of every kind – jazz and gospel to name a few – as well as through presentations of crafts by local and international artistes, folk life exhibitions, and distinctly local culinary creations.
Though festivals are one way an area can showcase cultural features of a city, which can be a big spin off for businesses, the Intwasa Arts Festival has done well in strengthening cultural tourism in Bulawayo.
Because of how the festival continues to brand Bulawayo as the hub of the arts, through the unique plays and other arts programmes it has, when you get to the city, you will certainly enjoy its unique food, history, art, and music. Last year the event was graced by National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Elvas Mari, who described the festival as a national event.
Online Reporter